Back to GabrielCri's Profile GabrielCri's Profile

"Memory is the only weapon we have against death." - Milan Kundera, Czech writer.

Frieren is an elf who was part of the group of heroes that defeated the Demon King. After the end of years of battle, the group disbanded and each returned to their home, but time passes differently for the elves, and little by little Frieren saw his companions die of old age. However, along the way, she encounters diverse characters, each with their own stories and perspectives on life. Through these interactions, Frieren begins to understand human feelings, something she regrets not enjoying relationships with her former ... companions.

The narrative develops gradually, focusing on Frieren's emotional journey. The first six episodes are especially captivating, exploring the deep connection she develops with her fellow adventurers, especially the trio of heroes: Himmel, Eisen and Heiter. Through flashbacks, we are transported to the past, reliving important moments of the epic journey against the Demon King. This blend of past and present creates a rich and moving experience, allowing the viewer to understand the nuances of Frieren's personality and his complex relationship with mortality. Furthermore, she tries to take what she learned from the past into the present, creating new bonds with Fern, Heiter's adopted daughter. However, the second half of the series presents some fluctuations. The light tone, which works well most of the time in several immersive and vibrant moments, can harm the impact of some more dramatic, comical scenes and other tones. Furthermore, the series moves away from the initial introspective essence, focusing on episodic adventures and incredible fights that, although fun, do not delve into the secondary characters in a significant way, with the exception of the main trio. Even though the story is built to relive Frieren's adventures, they distance themselves from what the series could initially be. It could well be justified as the story progresses, turning them into gifts at the end of the prose.

Regarding the characters, you can't forget the protagonist: "the anime is Frieren". Loosely said, Frieren's character is the personification of "experience", which carries with it the weight of centuries of experiences. His initially insensitive personality, a result of his long life and the constant loss of loved ones, becomes an intriguing and even comical element in several moments of the series. Sousou no Frieren plays on Frieren's insensitivity in a clever way, creating hilarious and unexpected moments. This characteristic, however, serves as a backdrop for moments of deep emotion, where the elf confronts loss, loneliness and the finiteness of life. The series invites us to laugh with her and, at the same time, to feel the weight of her memories and the pain of her losses. The character Fern, who initially promised to be an "heir of Heiter's memory", ends up becoming a stereotype of a little Tsundere girl, but is still charismatic. While Stark, despite his interesting backstory, is limited to being the comic relief of the plot. Fortunately, the three heroes, especially Himmel, continue to play an important role in the story, representing the legacy of the epic journey and the impact they had on the main character's life.

Sousou no Frieren's worldbuilding, although generic in comparison to great fantasy films (such as The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones) and also animes in the Isekai genre (which present new elements from their own worlds), is well presented and directed. The MadHouse studio (Hunter × Hunter, One Puch Man Season 1), once again known for blockbuster works, delivers impeccable animation, rich in detail and fluidity. The direction of Saitou Keiichirou, experienced in animes such as "Sonny Boy" and for his great work on the recent "Bocchi the Rock!", contributes to the construction of an immersive and exciting atmosphere.

In short, Sousou no Frieren is an anime that, despite some flaws in the second half, wins over the viewer with its sensitive narrative and captivating characters. Frieren's journey is an invitation to reflect on the value of life, friendship and the importance of enjoying every moment. MadHouse studio's excellent production and Saitou Keiichirou's talented direction take the experience to another level. I eagerly await its continuation to follow Frieren's journey and unravel the mysteries surrounding his "immortality".